Kyrgyzstan News Online — Latest Events in Bishkek and the Regions | MTS.kg
Economy

The Jogorku Kenesh adopted the agreement with Italy on the encouragement and protection of investments in the second reading

The deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh held a discussion and approved in the second reading the draft law concerning the ratification of the Agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Italian Republic on the promotion and protection of investments. This document was signed on May 30, 2025, in Astana. The main goal of the Agreement is to create a legal framework that facilitates the attraction of foreign investments. It aims to protect the rights and interests of investors by providing them with

19.02.2026, 13:55
Economy

Global hotel brands are increasingly entering Kyrgyzstan. Which ones and why (let's analyze)

The consulting company Commonwealth Partnership Uzbekistan conducted a study of the hotel market in Central Asia. The region is showing increasing interest from tourists, which raises the demands for service levels and hotel quality. According to forecasts, the number of hotel rooms will increase over the next five years. However, each country will develop on its own unique path, and Kyrgyzstan is expected to show the most noticeable growth.

19.02.2026, 13:23
Economy

The Ministry of Agriculture urged not to install drip irrigation without developing a project.

The Minister of Agriculture and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, during the "Agrodialog" forum held on February 18, urged farmers to first develop projects and consult with specialists before installing drip irrigation systems. He noted that without preliminary design, such installations could lead to inefficient distribution of water resources. “Self-installation of drip irrigation systems without proper design is not recommended. The landscape of the plots can be complex—with

19.02.2026, 12:49
Kashgar Through the Eyes of a Journalist from Kyrgyzstan
Economy

Kashgar Through the Eyes of a Journalist from Kyrgyzstan

Suyunbek Shamshiev, a journalist from "Silk Road. Cultural Development," shared his impressions after his first trip to Kashgar, which became his fifth visit to Xinjiang. In his opinion, this city is fundamentally different from Urumqi and Ili, being a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern progress.

19.02.2026, 12:15
Residents of the SEZ "Bishkek" will be relocated to a new area
Economy

Residents of the SEZ "Bishkek" will be relocated to a new area

Ravshanbek Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, organized a working meeting with participants representing both ministries and residents of the free economic zone "Bishkek." The agency's press service reported that the main topic of discussion was the relocation of residents to a new territory.

19.02.2026, 12:03
Building Materials in Kyrgyzstan: What is Happening with Prices and the Market
Economy

Building Materials in Kyrgyzstan: What is Happening with Prices and the Market

The analysis conducted by journalists from 24.kg revealed the current prices for building materials in Kyrgyzstan and the factors influencing their formation. The cost is affected by seasonality, import volumes, and the development of domestic production, which in turn changes the landscape of the construction sector. Highest growth rates: which materials have risen most significantly

19.02.2026, 11:58
In Kyrgyzstan, hundreds of thousands of smart electric meters will be installed over the year. How will they be distributed?
Economy

In Kyrgyzstan, hundreds of thousands of smart electric meters will be installed over the year. How will they be distributed?

Photo courtesy of the press service of JSC "NESK". According to information from the press service of JSC "National Electric Network of Kyrgyzstan", it is planned to install 390 thousand smart electricity meters for the citizens of the republic in 2026. This project is being implemented with the assistance of the World Bank. The smart meters will be distributed across regions and Bishkek as follows:

19.02.2026, 11:32
Economy

The Ministry of Agriculture reported on the allocation of funds for the construction of warehouses and refrigerators

- The most important task at the moment is the organization of the construction of processing enterprises, logistics centers, warehouses, and cold storage facilities that will provide proper conditions for storing agricultural products. This became known on February 18 at the "Agrodialog" forum from the Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Bakyt Torobaev. According to him, despite the fact that farmers are actively engaged in growing and harvesting crops, they face a lack of

19.02.2026, 11:28
Entities of the SEZ "Bishkek" will be relocated to a new territory
Economy

Entities of the SEZ "Bishkek" will be relocated to a new territory

On February 19, Ravshanbek Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, held a meeting with representatives of ministries, agencies, and entities of the SEZ 'Bishkek'. The agenda included key issues related to the relocation of SEZ entities to a new area. Meeting participants emphasized the need to ensure proper engineering and transport infrastructure, as well as to create conditions that facilitate uninterrupted production and

19.02.2026, 10:53
Economy

The Ministry of Construction fined LLC "SK Everest Group" for violations during the construction of a 16-story building.

- It should be noted that oversight of construction work is carried out by the State Department of Architectural and Construction Control, as indicated by the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. During an inspection at the site of the company OsOO "SK Everest Group," it was found that the project had not been adjusted, and work was being carried out without the necessary permits.

19.02.2026, 10:52
Economy

Temporary ban on the import of fruit and berry plant seedlings introduced by the government

Starting from March 1, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan will introduce a temporary ban for a period of six months on the import of seedlings of fruit and berry plants from countries that are not part of the Eurasian Economic Union. The corresponding decree was signed by Adylbek Kasymaliev. The purpose of this document is to protect food security and improve the functioning of the agricultural sector of the country.

19.02.2026, 10:48
Economy

"Most of the BCHK remain earthen, leading to high water losses," - Bakyt Torobaev

- As part of the "Agrodialog" forum, which is taking place from February 18 to 21, Bakyt Torobaev, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industry, presented plans for the phased concrete lining of the Large Chui Canals. This will help reduce water losses and lower production costs for agricultural products. He noted that prices for agricultural goods on the global market fluctuate significantly. For example, the price of beans has dropped from $1600 to $900, which may result

19.02.2026, 10:01
Economy

Cement Imports in Kyrgyzstan Exceeded 1 Million Tons in 2025

According to data from the National Statistics Committee, in 2025, the volume of cement imports in Kyrgyzstan increased by 2.2 times compared to 2024. A total of 1.2 million tons of cement were imported, with the majority of supplies coming from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

19.02.2026, 09:41
Exchange rates in commercial banks of Kyrgyzstan as of February 19
Economy

Exchange rates in commercial banks of Kyrgyzstan as of February 19

The data has been collected from the websites of commercial banks. If you have any questions regarding the information provided, it is recommended to contact the respective banks. Please note that the information is current as of the time of publication. The exchange rate is indicated for cash transactions and may change throughout the day.

19.02.2026, 09:40
Economy

The state operator Mega has a new CEO

At an extraordinary shareholders' meeting held on February 18, a decision was made to appoint Mederbek Kurmanbekov as the General Director of JSC "Alpha Telecom," which manages the mobile network Mega. This information was provided by company representatives. From October 2023 to August 2024, Kurmanbekov held the position of First Deputy General Director at the same company.

19.02.2026, 09:17
Economy

The Ministry of Finance will unite portals for procurement by budgetary and non-budgetary organizations

- The Ministry of Finance intends to merge the existing portals for procurement by budgetary and non-budgetary organizations. This statement was made by the Minister of Finance, Almaz Baketaev, on February 18 during a meeting at the presidential administration dedicated to issues of debureaucratization. “Currently, we have two platforms for electronic procurement – one for budgetary institutions and another for non-budgetary institutions. We are considering the possibility of merging them into

19.02.2026, 08:33
25 Companies from St. Petersburg Prepare for Expansion into Kyrgyzstan
Economy

25 Companies from St. Petersburg Prepare for Expansion into Kyrgyzstan

On February 17, 2026, an important business meeting took place in the format of "An Hour with the Trade Representative," gathering participants from regional Export Support Centers and representatives of the Trade Representation of Russia in the Kyrgyz Republic. During this event, entrepreneurs from St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region announced their intentions to enter the Kyrgyz market.

19.02.2026, 08:14
Drones and Digital Logistics Will Become the New Standard in the EAEU
Economy

Drones and Digital Logistics Will Become the New Standard in the EAEU

At a meeting between Andrey Nikitin, the Minister of Transport of Russia, and Arzybek Kozhoshev, a member of the Collegium for Energy and Infrastructure of the EEC, crucial steps for the digitalization of transport corridors and the implementation of autonomous systems were discussed. According to the Russian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, the discussion focused on the strategic development of logistics within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union until 2029.

19.02.2026, 08:12
Economy

In Chuy Region, farmers were granted preferential loans totaling 4.7 billion soms, - First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative

- In the Chuy region, 4 billion 687 million soms in preferential loans have been received to support agricultural producers. This information was announced on February 18 by Sanjar Zhantaev, the first deputy representative of the president in the region, at a meeting of the board on the socio-economic development of the region. According to his data, 2 billion 749 million soms were issued to 1,075 farmers through OJSC "Aiyl Bank," while 923 farmers received 1 billion 938 million soms

19.02.2026, 07:55
Economy

How the preparation for the irrigation season is going in the Chui region was discussed at the meeting.

At a recent meeting dedicated to the results of 2025, the first deputy plenipotentiary representative of the president in the Chuy region, Sanjar Zhantaev, shared information about preparations for the irrigation season of 2026. There are 269 reservoirs in the region with a total capacity of 253.145 million cubic meters, of which 168.81 million cubic meters of water has been accumulated so far. In the upcoming season, it is planned to sow on an area of 418,764 hectares, of which 269,698

19.02.2026, 07:30
Economy

Former MP Amanbaeva denied the Turkish investor's accusations of receiving $500,000.

- "I did not take a single dollar from the Turkish businessman Duman Sheref," stated former member of the Jogorku Kenesh Urmat Amanbaeva on February 18 during a press conference organized by AKIpress. She responded to Sheref's accusations, who claimed that she did not fulfill the terms of the contract to transfer about $500,000 in several stages for the construction of a residential complex in Osh. Amanbaeva emphasized that she had not received any funds from him.

19.02.2026, 03:42
Economy

Gold, ores, and equipment became the main export goods of Kyrgyzstan in 2025

- In 2025, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated a significant increase in export volumes, where gold, ores and concentrates of precious metals, machinery and equipment played a key role, alongside agricultural and industrial products. This was reported by Gulsara Sulaymanova, head of the foreign trade statistics department of the National Statistics Committee, at a press conference. As noted by Sulaymanova, the exported products also included vegetables and fruits, electrical machines and equipment,

19.02.2026, 03:15
Economy

Measures to Reduce Water Losses in the Irrigation System are Being Implemented in the Chuy Region - Main Department of Water Management

- Measures are being taken in the Chui region to improve the operation of the irrigation system, which includes the implementation of water-saving solutions, the transfer of intra-farm irrigation facilities to state management, and the reduction of water losses in canals. This was stated by Erlan Omuraliev, head of the Main Department of Water Management of the Chui region, at a board meeting dedicated to the socio-economic development of the region. According to him, by 2025, the introduction

18.02.2026, 20:25
Economy

In the Chuy Region, 21 billion soms are allocated for the preparation of irrigation networks for the growing season, - Main Department of Water Management

- As part of the preparation for the 2026 growing season, major repairs will be carried out in the Chui region, which include the following activities: Major repair of canals — 53 km Concrete pavement installation — 20.09 km Canal concreting — 12.4 km Mechanical cleaning of canals — 20.8 km Major repair of hydraulic structures — 22 units Repair of water measurement stations — 145 units Installation of water measurement sensors — 500 units Additionally, the current repair plan includes the

18.02.2026, 20:17
Economy

By the end of 2025, imports of frozen fish in Kyrgyzstan increased by 25%

Based on data from the National Statistical Committee, in 2025, Kyrgyzstan recorded a 25% increase in frozen fish imports. From January to December, 6,000 tons of this product were imported for a total of $12 million. Compared to 2024, when the volume of supplies was 4,800 tons worth $9.2 million, the increase is significant. The main supplier countries of frozen fish to Kyrgyzstan are listed below:

18.02.2026, 19:51
Economy

In the Chuy Region, 1.579 billion cubic meters of irrigation water have been supplied — 97% of the plan, - head of the Main Water Management Department

- Erlan Omuraliev, head of the Main Department of Water Management of the Chui Region, reported that in 2025, 1.579 billion cubic meters of irrigation water were supplied, which is 97% of the established plan. He noted that this volume of water allowed for the irrigation of 676.67 thousand hectares of agricultural land. Among them, 26.07 thousand hectares were used for spring crops, and 52.694 thousand hectares for second crops.

18.02.2026, 19:08
Economy

In Chui Region, 320,000 hectares of land are irrigated. The head of the water management department spoke about the state of the water supply system.

As of January 1, 2025, the area of irrigated land in the Chui region is 320 thousand hectares. This was reported by Erlan Omuraliyev, head of the Main Department of Water Management of the region, during a board meeting dedicated to socio-economic development. According to his data, out of the total irrigated land, 276,694 thousand hectares receive water through inter-farm irrigation networks, while 43,394 thousand hectares are supplied by local water sources.

18.02.2026, 19:04
Economy

In Chui Region, in 2026, they will increase sown areas and launch preferential lending for farmers, - First Deputy Plenipotentiary.

- In 2026, the construction of two new facilities will begin in the Chui region. This was announced by the first deputy representative of the president in the region, Sanjar Zhantaev, at a board meeting dedicated to the socio-economic development of the region. Starting in 2026, farmers using water-saving technologies will be able to obtain loans on preferential terms, at a rate of 2% per annum. For these purposes, 1 billion soms has been allocated.

18.02.2026, 18:35
Economy

"The ban on the export of live cattle did not lead to a sharp increase in meat prices, — Ministry of Agriculture"

The ban on the export of live cattle, implemented in Kyrgyzstan, has not led to a significant increase in meat prices. This was reported on the radio by Uran Chekirbaev, head of the food security department of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. Chekirbaev noted that this ban, which was implemented in August of last year, played an important role in curbing the sharp rise in meat product prices in the domestic market.

18.02.2026, 17:43
Economy

In December, car imports to Kyrgyzstan decreased by 21.5%

In December 2025, Kyrgyzstan recorded a 21.5% decrease in car imports compared to the same period in 2024, according to information provided by the National Statistical Committee. The full version of the article can be found by subscription.

18.02.2026, 16:34
Economy

"120 million soms allocated for the repair of irrigation facilities in 2026, - first deputy representative"

- In the Chui region, work is actively underway to prepare for the irrigation season of 2026. This was reported by Sanjar Zhantaev, the first deputy representative of the president, at a recent meeting of the board on the socio-economic development of the region. According to Zhantaev, the region has 269 reservoirs with a total designed capacity of 253.145 million cubic meters, of which 168.81 million cubic meters of water have been accumulated so far. In 2026, it is planned to conduct a sowing

18.02.2026, 16:08
In Bishkek, the best farmers are honored at the "Agrodialog–2026" forum.
Economy

In Bishkek, the best farmers are honored at the "Agrodialog–2026" forum.

A significant agro-industrial forum "Agrodialog–2026" was held at the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K.I. Skryabin, organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. This event gathered farmers who achieved outstanding results in 2025–2026. The forum was opened in a solemn atmosphere, where the best farmers in the fields of crop production and animal husbandry walked the red carpet to loud applause, symbolizing

18.02.2026, 15:24
Economy

A $4.5 Million Climate Agricultural Project Launched in Kyrgyzstan

In collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry has initiated a new project aimed at creating climate-resilient value chains, the ministry's press service reports. The Government of Japan has allocated $4.5 million for the implementation of this initiative. The project will support 17,000 small farmers operating in three southern regions of the country: Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh.

18.02.2026, 15:06
Gardener Ruslan Minbaev Became Champion by Replacing Ditches with Modern Irrigation
Economy

Gardener Ruslan Minbaev Became Champion by Replacing Ditches with Modern Irrigation

Ruslan Minbaev, one of the most successful gardeners in Kyrgyzstan, shared his story about how he transformed his ordinary plantation into a model agricultural enterprise ahead of the significant forum "Agrodialog–2026." According to the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, his journey to the title of champion began in 2012. In 2016, the farmer took a bold step — he created a large blackcurrant plantation, becoming one of the first in this field in his

18.02.2026, 15:06
In the Chuy Region, sowing works are planned on nearly 419 thousand hectares of land
Economy

In the Chuy Region, sowing works are planned on nearly 419 thousand hectares of land

In 2026, it is planned to sow 418,764 hectares in the Chui region, of which 269,698 hectares will be irrigated. For this purpose, 850 million cubic meters of water is expected to be supplied, which will ensure 4-5 times irrigation. This was reported by Sanjar Zhantaev, the first deputy representative of the president in the region, at a regional meeting. According to him, in 2025, 626.42 million cubic meters of water were used for irrigation. "Spring fieldwork will begin soon, and we need

18.02.2026, 14:50